• Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fascia Embolization (PFE)

HEEL PAIN RELIEF WITHOUT SURGERY

A minimally invasive procedure that stops chronic plantar fasciitis pain by blocking the abnormal blood vessels driving inflammation in the heel – no incisions, no stitches, home the same day.

TARGETED RELIEF

Treats blood vessels linked to chronic heel pain

MINIMALLY INVASIVE

No open surgery or large incision

Walk Out

Walk soon after treatment

Same Day

Go home the same day

Could PFE help you?

Tick any that apply. See your result on the right.

Sharp heel pain first thing in the morning ✓
Heel pain lasting longer than 6 months ✓
Tried physio, orthotics, or stretching without relief ✓
Had cortisone injections that wore off ✓
Pain interferes with work, exercise, or daily walking ✓
Want to avoid surgery or are not a surgical candidate ✓

Your Potential Fit for PFE

You have several factors commonly associated with PFE candidacy.

LOW RISK

How PFE Works

Targeting the source of heel pain

01

FASCIA INFLAMMATION

Repeated stress inflames the fascia and triggers abnormal vessel growth.

02

PAIN
CONTINUES

These vessels keep the inflammation and heel pain active.

03

PFE BLOCKS THE VESSELS

Tiny particles reduce blood flow to the inflamed tissue.

04

PAIN
IMPROVES

As inflammation settles, walking may become easier over 4–6 weeks.

SYMPTOM MAP

Your Heel May Be Warning You

Heel pain with first steps

Pain after sitting or resting

Pain after exercise or activity

Pain after long periods of standing

Tender or stabbing pain under the heel

Persistent heel pain despite previous treatment

Dr. Vinod Kumar brings

30+ years of experience
in minimally invasive pain treatments

Artery Cross-Section - Before & After

BeforeAfter (1)

RECOVERY TIMELINE

What to expect after Plantar Fascia Embolization (PFE). Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activities within days.

Recovery Timeline
DAY 0

Procedure Day

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

DAY 1

Start Moving

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

WEEK 1

Back To Routine

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

MONTH 1

Improved Circulation

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

ONGOING

Long-Term Benefits

Outpatient procedure.
You go home the same day.

BENEFITS

Why Patients Choose Plantar Fascia Embolization (PFE)

Targets the source of heel pain

Minimally invasive

No large incision or surgery

May reduce chronic heel pain

May improve walking and daily activity

Same-day outpatient care

PATIENT STORIES

See What Recovery Can Look Like

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Is PFE the same as surgery for plantar fasciitis?

No. Surgical plantar fasciitis treatments involve cutting or releasing the plantar fascia – which carries risks and requires significant recovery time. PFE does not touch the fascia at all. A catheter enters through a pinhole in the upper thigh, travels to the foot arteries, and blocks only the abnormal vessels feeding the inflammation. No incision. No stitches. No general anaesthesia. You walk out the same day.

The procedure takes under an hour. Plan to be at the clinic for 2–3 hours including preparation and post-procedure monitoring. You cannot drive yourself home – please arrange for someone to collect you. Most patients walk out comfortably the same afternoon.

Medicare and most major insurance plans cover PFE when it is medically indicated for chronic plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conservative treatment. Our team verifies your coverage before your appointment. Call us at 661-324-4100 to check your plan before booking.

PFE works by reducing inflammation gradually. Most patients begin to notice meaningful improvement within 4–6 weeks of the procedure as the abnormal vessels close and the inflammatory response settles. We follow up at 4–6 weeks to track your progress. Most patients reach their full result at 2–3 months.

Yes. PFE targets only the small blood vessels around the plantar fascia – the fascia itself is completely untouched. Surgical options remain fully available. Many patients use PFE as the final step before considering surgery, or as an alternative for patients who are not surgical candidates.

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5020 Commerce Dr

5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309

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